Do we need fear in order to feel gratitude?
I think it is an error to promote fantasising fake or unreal life situations that are worse than current one, just so that we can feel gratitude. Gratitude should come as it is, for what it is, without comparisons.
Otherwise if we train ourselves to compare, it is dangerous, we can fall in the trap of fear and become frozen, terrified of losing what we have.
And just for the record, living 500 years ago comes with some benefits too. Fresh clean air, clean food just come to my mind.
haha I did not mean to frighten people, just to help create a perspective that allows us to see how much we really have. I have a good friend who is super into history. He was telling me one day about how the kings and queens of a hundred years ago lived. They had people serve their food. They were able to eat things from all around the world. They had such wonderful comfort and conveniences ... it helped me realize how MUCH we really have in our world today. I know that my life is not that same as everyones but it helped me appreciate what I had been taking for granted.
I definitely do not want to add to the fear base so I appreciate your comment. It has made me consider my words more carefully @lightproject ... +1 to clean air
I appreciate your detailed answer and the insights you provided.
If I may, Id like to throw a question in the air.
Can we humans experience gratitude without the "mental trick" of comparison? Can gratitude come as the result of pure observation and consciousness?